Brain Waves: the latest bright ideas from Hertz, Delta Air Lines and more

Delta introduces biometric boarding pass

Delta Air Lines passengers can now simply scan their fingerprints to board an aircraft at Washington DC’s Reagan National Airport. The new biometric boarding pass experience was first introduced in May to allow passengers to access the Delta Sky Club airport lounge. It has now been integrated into the boarding process, and will soon be enabled at baggage drop stations.

Hertz keeps kids happy with “colouring in car”

Hertz has revealed designs for a novel type of in-car entertainment aimed at keeping children happy on long journeys. Taking the colouring book concept to a whole new level, Hertz has introduced the world’s first “colouring-in car”, which uses special upholstery to allow kids to colour in patterns on the seats, ceiling and other interior coverings while they’re travelling.

Gogo develops new-in-flight modem

Gogo, the in-flight Wi-Fi provider, has revealed that its newest modem has been introduced into commercial service. The modem is designed to offer 16 times the amount of throughput from the satellite to Wi-Fi users on the aircraft, which, in turn, will boost connectivity speeds. It also includes dual channels to simultaneously support internet traffic and broadcast IPTV.

Malaysia Airlines launches lab for digital innovation

Malaysia Airlines has launched its first in-house innovation lab, called “iSpace”. Part of the airline’s efforts to become a “digital airline”, the 771m² lab will employ 100 people and will serve as a testing ground to for the national carriers new IT initiatives. It will feature a “Solution Café” for helpdesk support, a reading corner, meeting rooms and gaming, recreational and relaxation areas.